THanks Suzy. This is a crazy thing. I was ready to order Rooguchi from them on Monday, but waited until Tuesday, since I wanted to check a few things out. Then when I went to order on Tuesday, the President's Day sale was over, so I emailed them to ask for a sale-extension. They said no yesterday. So then I went to send in the order, and the Rooguchi was sold old! (and new sale price was lower than the President's Day sale!). I've learned my lesson to order, and order fast! I guess now I'll just wait until early next year. I'm really mad at myself for waiting.....but it is sort of funny! Thanks for your help.

I imagine you are paying for the cabinets yes? If so then you have every right to a an explnation that you can understand and makes sense to you regardless of your level of expertise. Based on what I have seen a huge % of problems experienced in relation to renos are the result of inadequate communication between the homeowner and the contractor (communication: that's receiving and sending). Your guy sounds good, he is taking you to see his work and showing you whay he means. Don't back off because if you don't understand what you are getting and don't like it you will be unhappy and that isn't good for him. Most of the major hardware lines make side mount drawer hardware - it isn't as pretty but who really cares? My guess is that id does require that the drawer boxes be narrower so you are losing some space - probably not enough to worry about. Description of joints: Mitered Joint Mitred doors and drawers have a frame that is joined by a mitre joint at the corners. A mitre joint is a 45° cut on both the stile and the rail. This joint runs diagonally from the inside corner of the frame to the outside corner. Mitre cut doors are used on doors that have a fancy detail on the stile and rail that would be difficult to form with a Cope & Pattern joint (see below). Miter joints are also used on inexpensive doors because this type of joint is easy to make. Tenon & Mortise Joint A traditional tenon and mortise joint (similar to tongue and groove) is the most common, and provides strength to the joint. Each end of the rail has a tenon (extension), which fits into a pocket (mortise) cut into the side of the stile. Cope & Pattern Joint This type of joint is often seen on furniture grade cabinetry. Cutting tools are used to cut the rails (horizontal) and stiles (vertical) which result in two pieces, each a mirror image of the other. In addition, a slot is cut into the rail and stile for the center door panel. The shape of the cut allows for a greater glue area, resulting in a stronger joint. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here is a link that might be useful: good cabinetry overview

You can use real leaves, but I would suggest using the ones you buy at craft store. They have been dried with a preservative that keeps them supple and keeps the color from fading.

I'm worn out from the suspense of today! Granite was installed late this afternoon, I was not there for the install (don't live in the house yet) b/c I had my two little ones and their two friends to keep out from under the installer's feet. DH was there and called to thank me for "forcing" him into getting the Costa Rose b/c he loves it and couldn't imagine anything in it's place. I finally got over there right before dark and I am thrilled!! I LOVE it, love it, love it!!! Unfortunately I couldn't take photos b/c it was too dark (no lighting installed yet), but will post some tomorrow morning. Breezygirl - Great move holding the Mint Green, you won't regret it, it will be perfect. My DH was hesitant like yours and is now a total believer!! Positano - "moving right along" LOL. we started this DIY reno in February and DH told me it would take 3months - rushed me into all of the upfront decisions - layout, cabinet purchase, etc. I've been a heavy lurker from the beginning but never posted. The pressure of the granite purchase finally prompted me to seek some advice. Thanks for the support with my decision. Boxerpups - I appreciate you following up for me even while dealing with your own stress - hope your work situation has lightened up for you. Turns out my counters look exactly like the photo you posted of Kelleg's kitchen. I do have one small issue with the install. DH and my neighbor think I am being petty and nitpicky, maybe I am? Counter cutout is not even / symetrical over undermount, apronfront sink - the left side overhangs by at least 1/8" more then the right side. They say you can't see it, but it is the first thing I noticed when I looked at the sink. Not sure if it is worth the trouble of them coming back, removing that piece, enlarging the cutout (to match other side) Thanks again for your help!!